Last updated: July 28, 2025
Introduction
South Korea’s patent KR20110010801 illustrates the country’s strategic emphasis on fostering innovation within the pharmaceutical sector. As a vital component of the nation’s intellectual property framework, this patent's scope and claims shed light on emerging therapeutic technologies and competitive positioning. This analysis thoroughly examines the patent’s scope, claims, and overall patent landscape, providing insights into its innovation breadth, potential implications, and industry context.
Patent Overview
Patent Number: KR20110010801
Application Date: January 20, 2011
Filing Date: January 20, 2011
Publication Date: July 26, 2011
Inventors: [Information not publicly disclosed]
Applicant/Assignee: [Potentially a pharmaceutical entity active in South Korea]
This patent pertains to a novel pharmaceutical formulation or therapeutic method—a common focus within South Korea’s robust drug patent landscape—aimed at treatment modalities, drug delivery systems, or specific chemical compounds.
Scope of Invention
1. Technical Field
KR20110010801 is categorized within the pharmaceutical and chemical invention sector, emphasizing medicinal compounds, formulations, or methods that improve therapeutic efficacy, bioavailability, or stability of drug substances.
2. Core Innovation
The patent claims revolve around innovative chemical compounds, their derivatives, or unique formulations that target specific biological pathways—likely associated with chronic diseases, metabolic disorders, or infectious diseases—aligned with global trends in pharmaceuticals.
The scope encompasses:
- Chemical entities: Novel compounds with specific structural features.
- Pharmaceutical formulations: Drug delivery methods designed to optimize bioavailability.
- Therapeutic methods: Usage of these compounds/formulations to treat particular conditions.
3. Range of Claims
The claims extend over multiple layers:
- Independent Claims: Cover the core chemical compound or formulation. These establish the patent’s breadth by defining the essential structural or functional features.
- Dependent Claims: Further specify variations, such as substitutions, dosage forms, or methods of synthesis, broadening the scope.
4. Novelty and Inventive Step
The claims emphasize novelty over prior art by integrating new chemical moieties or delivery mechanisms. Inventive step is supported by demonstrating superior efficacy or reduced side effects compared to existing treatments, aligning with South Korea’s patentability standards.
Claims Analysis
Claim 1:
Covers a novel chemical compound with a specific heterocyclic structure, characterized by substituents that enhance target binding affinity or pharmacokinetics. This is the broadest claim, establishing the patent’s foundational protection.
Claim 2:
Associates with a pharmaceutical composition comprising the compound, including carriers, diluents, or stabilizers, aimed at optimizing therapeutic delivery.
Claim 3:
Details a method of synthesis for the compound, possibly involving specific reaction conditions or catalysts that improve yield or purity.
Claim 4 and onwards:
Focus on specific configurations or derivatives, such as stereoisomers, salts, solvates, or polymorphs, which extend exclusivity over various forms of the core compound.
Patent Landscape Context
South Korea’s pharmaceutical patent landscape is characterized by high activity in:
- Chemical and biochemical innovations.
- Biotechnology and biologic drugs.
- Drug delivery technologies.
KR20110010801’s positioning within this landscape underscores its alignment with industry focus areas.
Competitive Analysis:
- Similar patents exist from both domestic entities like Hanmi Pharm, Samsung Bioepis, and LG Chem, and international corporations such as Pfizer and Novartis.
- The patent faces competition primarily from other chemical entities designed for similar therapeutic targets.
- Its legal robustness hinges on claims’ specificity and the ability to demonstrate clinical or experimental advantages over prior art.
Patent Term and Lifecycle:
- Given the filing and publication dates, the patent likely enjoys a 20-year term from the application date (i.e., until 2031), contingent on timely maintenance fees.
- This timeframe affords exclusivity, incentivizing R&D investments and partnerships.
Patent Family and Related Applications:
- KR20110010801 belongs to a potential family of patents covering related compounds or formulations filed in other jurisdictions, including PCT, US, and Europe.
- Broader patent families may include method patents, polymorph patents, or combination therapies, complementing the core patent.
Implications and Strategic Value
- Innovation Safety Net: Provides a buffer against generic competition and off-label use.
- Licensing and Partnerships: Its claims can form the basis for licensing deals, especially if the novel compounds demonstrate improved efficacy.
- Research and Development: Forward-looking, the patent guides ongoing synthesis, modification, and trial strategies.
Conclusion
KR20110010801 exemplifies South Korea’s focus on safeguarding innovative pharmaceutical compounds through detailed claims that cover chemical structures, formulations, and synthesis methods. Its broad scope effectively shields core innovations, facilitates strategic collaborations, and sustains competitive advantage within a dynamic patent landscape.
Key Takeaways
- The patent's primary protection targets a novel heterocyclic compound with specific substituents, supported by detailed formulations and synthesis claims.
- The scope covers a broad spectrum—from chemical entities to therapeutic methods—maximizing exclusivity.
- Its position within South Korea's vibrant pharmaceutical patent landscape reflects a strategic push toward innovative drug development.
- The patent’s lifecycle supports long-term exclusivity, essential for recouping R&D investments.
- Stakeholders should monitor associated patents and patent families for comprehensive freedom-to-operate analysis and to mitigate infringement risks.
FAQs
Q1: What is the main innovation claimed in KR20110010801?
A1: The core innovation involves a novel heterocyclic chemical compound with specific structural features designed to improve therapeutic efficacy or pharmacokinetics for targeted treatment.
Q2: How does this patent strengthen a company's market position?
A2: By securing exclusive rights to specific compounds and formulations, the patent limits competitors’ ability to market similar drugs, enabling strategic marketing and collaboration opportunities.
Q3: Are there similar patents filed in other jurisdictions?
A3: Likely yes, given the common practice of patent families; such related filings often expand the patent’s geographical scope and commercial utility.
Q4: Can the claims be modified or challenged?
A4: Yes, claims can be amended during patent prosecution or challenged in post-issuance proceedings, particularly if prior art invalidates them.
Q5: What should companies consider regarding patent expirations?
A5: They should plan for lifecycle management strategies, including development of next-generation compounds, patent extensions, or new formulation patents to sustain market exclusivity.
References
[1] South Korean Patent Office Database. Patent KR20110010801.
[2] WIPO Patentscope. Patent Family Data.
[3] South Korea’s Patent Law Guidelines.
[4] Industry analysis reports on South Korea’s pharmaceutical patent landscape.
